Cal Poly Report — Sept. 23, 2020
News
Cal Poly Establishes Center to Better Understand Cultural, Demographic Landscape of Central Coast
A group of faculty members has established The Center for Applied Study of Place-based Indigeneity, Race and Ethnicity (ASPIRE) to further understand the cultural and demographic landscape of Cal Poly and the Central Coast, provide research-based support for historically underrepresented communities on the Central Coast, and support Cal Poly’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts through sustained positive impacts on the surrounding communities. Jenell Navarro, interim department chair of the Ethnic Studies Department, will serve as director of the ASPIRE Center. The research team also includes Denise Isom, interim vice president of Diversity and Inclusion; José Navarro, associate professor of ethnic studies; and Grace Yeh, professor of ethnic studies and interim chair of the Communication Studies Department. The research team aims to investigate and uncover the histories of indigeneity, racism and white supremacy in the region and the state; highlight the significant and ongoing contributions by people of color and their partners on the Central Coast and throughout the state; and engender and maintain greater equity and access at Cal Poly and across the Central Coast. Read more here.
New College of Engineering Lab to Transform Lives Through Community-Focused Engineering and Computing
Leveraging Cal Poly’s unique Learn by Doing approach to have a wide impact, a new center created by the College of Engineering will pair students and faculty on engineering-driven projects that address challenges that people face in today’s world — from the individual to the societal — using engineering and computing expertise to improve the human experience. The university has announced that the TECHE Lab (Transforming Engineers through Community Hands-on Engagement) will aim to create and further real-world, systemic change and will work to engage social scientists, ethicists, public policy specialists, community partners and other to focus on driving broad societal change using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). “We believe that engineering students are acutely aware of societal challenges and have a true desire to solve them,” said College of Engineering Dean Amy S. Fleischer. “By providing a vibrant center focused on using technology to advance equity, they can have a positive, longstanding impact on the world. “While our faculty and students are already known for impactful projects, this center will amplify our impact as we expand our mission and benefit the global community.” Read more here.
A&F COVID-19 Information Webpage Redesigned
To help staff and faculty find the information they need pertaining to work during the pandemic, Administration and Finance has redesigned its COVID-19 Information webpage to make it more user-friendly, accessible and intuitive. The new page has easily accessible links to information about the Fall Work Plan, PPE distribution and the Working Remotely Toolkit as well as leave, pay and employee assistance programs. This page serves as a hub of information and provides links to guide staff, on and off campus, with helpful resources on travel, mail and paycheck distribution, as well as tips on payments and procurements during the pandemic. The redesign is part of the Fall Work Plan - Return to Work Protocols for COVID-19. The plan offers guidance, assistance and support to help keep the community safe. To help answer questions, Human Resources has introduced a Virtual Front Desk where you can talk with a HR representative via Zoom from 9 a.m.-noon and 1–4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Questions about the plan can also be emailed to Human Resources at humanresources@calpoly.edu.
Vista Grande Dining Complex Opens
The new LEED Gold certified Vista Grande Dining Complex opened its doors to the campus community on Sept. 3, serving hungry students and supporters during move-in. The three-story facility houses six new dining venues on the second floor, including an allergen-free platform called Balance. The dishes are freshly prepared in exhibition-style kitchens. Grand Ave Market, on the first floor, is loaded with grab-and-go, Kosher-certified offerings, a premium deli, and Jamba. Years of research and development went into each venue to ensure that the newest Campus Dining facility could create on-trend gastronomic experiences for all. Attaining LEED Gold certification was a major milestone and helps Cal Poly take one more step towards its growing environmental sustainability goals.
Flu Vaccinations Offered to Employees on Sept. 28
Campus Health and Wellbeing has partnered with Rite Aid Pharmacy to bring a flu vaccination clinic for employees to campus, as part of an ongoing effort to promote health and well-being across our community. On Monday, Sept. 28, Rite Aid will be on campus to administer flu vaccinations to any Cal Poly employee and their eligible dependents (age 3 and up) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the UU Plaza. The high-dose vaccine for individuals over the age of 65 will also be available. Employees may use their insurance benefits (bring your insurance card) or pay $28 for the vaccination. Payment is due at the time of service. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Fill out and bring a completed consent form with you to save time.
New yakʔitʸutʸu Office 365 Add-In Available
Student Affairs Technology has announced that it has developed a new 365 Office add-in that will make it easier for users to accurately represent the names and symbols of Poly’s newest on-campus housing community, yakʔitʸutʸu, in written documents. The new yakʔitʸutʸu Office 365 add-in allows users to easily insert building names and special symbols of Cal Poly’s newest on-campus housing community into Outlook and Word. In addition, the add-in includes a building map, audio pronunciations of each building name, and learning resources to highlight stories that provide historical context related to the Northern Chumash tribal locations. These locations are represented by the buildings named within the yakʔitʸutʸu on-campus housing community. For more information, including instructions on downloading the add-in, visit https://sat.calpoly.edu/restech/uh-office-365-add-in.
Student Success
Civil Engineering Senior Receives CSU Trustees’ Award
A civil engineering student from Santa Cruz has received the 2020 California State University Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement — CSU’s highest award for students. Thayara Almeida, 36, like her counterparts throughout the state, was selected for superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service and financial need. As part of the recognition, she will receive a $6,000 Trustees’ Award scholarship. “I am honored to be one of the CSU Trustees Award recipients,” said the native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, who relocated to the U.S. 13 years ago. “I am studying in a field where I see so many students regularly extending themselves above and beyond the parameters of their future career goals that it is difficult to consider anything that one does as outstanding. For me, as an immigrant with English as my second language, I feel privileged for getting this award.” She and the other awardees were honored Sept. 22 by campus presidents, CSU trustees and donors at a virtual meeting. The Outstanding Achievement Awards are presented annually to one student from each of the CSU system’s 23 campuses. The California State University, the largest four-year public university system in the nation, served 482,000 students in 2019-20. Read more here.
Faculty & Staff
Virtual Benefit Fair and Open Enrollment to be Held Sept. 21-Oct. 16
Chat with providers and the campus Human Resources Benefit Team during a virtual, live Benefit Resource Fair from 2-5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Registration is required to attend this event. Open Enrollment is Sept. 21-Oct. 16. This is employees' annual opportunity to review and update their current benefits for the upcoming year. Enroll, change or cancel CalPERS health, dental, vision, FlexCash, Dependent Care Reimbursement (DCRA), Health Care Reimbursement (HCRA) or voluntary benefits plans. The effective date for all changes made during the Open Enrollment period is Jan. 1, 2021. View the Benefits Open Enrollment webpage for 2021 rates, plan information and more.
Pilot Program Will Explore Whiteness, Inspired by Building Anti-Racist White Educators
Sign up for a pilot program exploring whiteness inspired by Building Anti-Racist White Educators (BARWE) co-sponsored by the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and the Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology. Over the course of five sessions, participants will explore whiteness, its influence in our personal and professional lives, and work on developing anti-racist practice. This five-session program will take place Tuesdays beginning Oct. 6 and continuing through Nov. 3, from 10-11:30 a.m. via Zoom. To register, fill out this form by Friday, Oct. 2. Questions? Contact Ryan Adserias in OUDI at radseria@calpoly.edu.
Emeritus Parking Permits Now Virtual
Transportation and Parking Services has announced that the 2020 roll out of virtual emeritus permits has been a smooth transition. Following the successful launch of License Plate Recognition (LPR) throughout campus parking lots, physical parking permits are not needed as license plates now serve in place of those placards. Physical emeritus permits are now expired and no longer valid. All emeritus who continue to need access to campus are asked to email parking@calpoly.edu to initiate a virtual parking authorization. For more information about LPR, visit the TAPS website at parking.calpoly.edu/LPR. To stay compliant make sure that your parking account reflects accurate information at all times. Log into your parking account and ensure that the license plate number is correct and linked to an active parking permit. Contact parking@calpoly.edu with any questions or concerns.
Disability Tapas' Presentations to be Held in Fall Quarter
Disabilities come in many different forms and can vary greatly. Join the Disability Resource Center (DRC) for some snack-size information and interactive discussions on a variety of disability-related topics. Presentations are geared toward faculty and staff (students are welcome), and offered from 11:10 a.m. to noon every Thursday via Zoom at https://calpoly.zoom.us/j/491400215. Past presentations are viewable at https://drc.calpoly.edu/disability-tapas.
— Sept. 24: Introduction to Disability Resource Center (DRC) Services.
— Oct. 1: How to be a Disability Ally — Strategies for Identifying and Addressing Ableism.
— Oct. 8: Understanding Chronic Invisible Illness.
— Oct. 15: Social Media: Guidance for Posting Accessible Content and Positive Disability Messages.
— Oct. 22: Disability and Domestic Violence: Barriers to Disclosure and Strategies for Community Care.
— Oct. 29: Supporting Students with ADHD.
— Nov. 5: Supporting Students with Traumatic Brain Injury.
— Nov. 12: Accessibility Made Easy: Tech Tools and Tips to Try.
— Nov. 19: Supporting students with Autism.
The presentations are provided by the Disability Resource Center. Questions? Contact drc@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-1395.
New Virtual Book and Learning Circles for Fall
Employee and Organization Development has announced the fall 2020 Book and Learning Circles, which will all be held on Zoom.
— Book Circles involve reading a book over the course of three to five sessions and discussing in a group. The first book, "Whistling Vivaldi" by Claude M. Steele, paints a compelling picture of how simply being aware of negative stereotypes toward our social group diminishes our ability to perform. The second book is "Crucial Accountability: Tools for Resolving Violated Expectations, Broken Commitments, and Bad Behavior," by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and A. Switzler. Discover tools for improving relationships in the workplace and in life and for resolving all broken promises, missed deadlines, and poor behavior — permanently. The third book, "The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life" by Shawn Achor, reveals how rewiring our brain for happiness helps us achieve more in our careers and relationships and as students, leaders and parents.
— Learning Circles involve watching a video or reading an article and participating in a discussion during a single session. The first learning circle is "Mindful Leadership," featuring talks from Janice Marurano, Mark Bertoli and Jessica Amos. The second learning circle is offered as a series of three sessions and provides an eye-opening discussion tool to help people examine their beliefs about race, privilege, policy and justice in "Race — The Power of an Illusion." In the third learning circle, "How Language Shapes the Way We Think," Lera Boroditsky shares examples of language and suggests that the various languages around the world shape the way we think.
To view a full description and register to attend, visit the Book and Learning Circles webpage at learnandgrow.calpoly.edu.
Faculty Advisor Training Series Available in Fall 2020
University Advising is pleased to offer a Faculty Advisor Training series that introduces undergraduate faculty advisors to academic advising core competencies.
— FA 101: Nuts and Bolts of Faculty Advising: Oct. 9 (virtual via Zoom).
— FA 102: Assemble Your Faculty Advising Toolkit: will be offered in winter 2021.
— FA 103: Building Student Success through Faculty Advising: will be offered in winter 2021.
Click here for more information about the Faculty Advisor Training series. Anyone with questions can contact Christina Wolfe-Chandler, advisor training coordinator, at crwolfe@calpoly.edu or ext. 6-5735.
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Campus Announcements
Statistical Consulting Service Available During Fall
The Statistics Department provides a statistical consulting service to the university community to facilitate research design and data analysis in a wide variety of disciplines. Consulting will be available through Tuesday, Nov. 24, by appointment only. Ulric Lund will serve as the consultant. He is available to advise on data collection, experimental design and analysis of research projects. In addition, he will be available to lead seminars or tutorials on requested topics and offer advice on various computer packages available at Cal Poly. Faculty, staff and students interested in utilizing the consulting service are encouraged to access the Statistics Department website for additional information, including what to bring to a consulting session. To schedule a consultation, email statconsulting@calpoly.edu.
Kennedy Library Offers Contactless Pickup and Checkout
The Kennedy Library and CSU+ are now loaning books and other physical materials (excluding Course Reserves) on a limited basis with contactless pickup on Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and and Tuesdays from 4-6 p.m. To checkout items:
— Request books on OneSearch using your Cal Poly account: https://onesearch.calpoly.edu.
— Receive an email that your items are ready to be picked up.
— Bring your Cal Poly ID/Library Card to the Kennedy Library front entrance on the days/hours listed above.
— Call Library Circulation at ext. 6-5760 to notify staff of your arrival and to provide your library card information.
— Staff will place your items outside the door.
— Please remember to wear a face covering and to practice physical distancing when coming to campus.
Books and other physical materials checked out to you will be renewed automatically. There will be no late fees or fines for any overdue items at this time. Books and other physical materials (including CSU+ and Interlibrary Loan) may be returned to the book drops located in front of the library or in parking lot H10.
Events
Men and Masculinities Program Welcomes Back Students, Staff and Faculty
The Men and Masculinities Program invites the campus community to attend the Men of Color Success Initiative (MOCSI) Virtual Kickoff from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24. The event is free and is open to all students, faculty and staff. The MOCSI Virtual Kickoff is an important continuation of the program's efforts to support the success of men of color at Cal Poly and help foster community. The Kick Off event will feature a welcome by the MOCSI Leadership Team, followed by a moderated panel of students discussing their stories as men of color pursing success at Cal Poly. MOCSI staff will be on hand to provide information on future programming, mentorship opportunities and how to get involved with the Initiative. Register for the event at https://tinyurl.com/mocsikickoff.
PLATFORM Artist Conversations Fall Virtual Event Schedule
The newly formed ConSortiUm, a collaborative project of art museums and galleries from the CSU system, has announced a virtual event series to actively engage students, faculty, staff and communities through visual arts-based dialogue. The inaugural program, PLATFORM, includes six live virtual conversations with contemporary artists, collectives and curators whose work is critical to current re-imaginings of the art world and the world at large: Artist Beatriz Cortez in conversation with curator Erin Christovale at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24; Postcommodity: A Conversation with artists Cristóbal Martínez and Kade L. Twist at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22; and Forensic Architecture: A Conversation with founder Eyal Weizman at noon Thursday, Nov. 12. All events will be presented live via Zoom with access for all CSU campuses. Recordings of the events will be available for post live-stream viewing and archived by the sponsoring institutions. These events are free and open to the public. More details are available on the University Art Gallery website at https://artgallery.calpoly.edu/.
Webinar to be Held Sept. 29 on Tips for Success in Obtaining Federal Research Money
Research and Economic Development invites faculty and staff to attend a webinar, “Best Practices for Federal Marketing and Program Development,” presented by Glen Mandigo, president and CEO of Strategic Marketing Innovations (SMI), and his team. This webinar will provide an overview of federal spending for research and will discuss how faculty and staff can be more successful in shaping opportunities and responding to calls for proposals. SMI works with university researchers to ensure that innovative and creative ideas are properly funded. This presentation will be specifically tailored for Cal Poly and audience members will have the chance to participate and ask questions. The webinar will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Register at https://calpoly.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FR3kCopnRt-7E3pLmo2PCA. Questions? Contact research@calpoly.edu.
RSVP for Sustainability Month 2020
October is Campus Sustainability Month. Join various Cal Poly and CSU groups throughout October for a series of virtual events to educate and inspire students, staff and faculty on sustainability and social justice. This year's headlining event, "Climate Justice = Social Justice: Conversations Exploring the Intersections of People, Planet and Power," will feature two live sessions. Join a live Q & A with renowned thought-leader on climate justice, Mustafa Santiago Ali, from noon-1 p.m. Oct. 5. From noon-1 p.m. Oct. 14, join a panel conversation with "Green Girl" Leah Thomas, Xiuhtezcatl (X) Martinez, and CSU Chico AS President Breanna “Bre” Holbert as moderator. Both events are open to students, staff and faculty at all 23 CSU campuses with the goal of empowering people to connect the dots between environmental and racial justice and to get out the vote this November! RSVP for the events. Virtual meeting details will follow in the coming weeks. There will also be multiple student-hosted virtual events throughout the month: Tie-Dye Craft Night from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 5, Sustainability Speed Dating from 3-4 p.m. Oct. 7, Zero Waste Cooking Lesson from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 13, Social Justice Movie Discussion from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 19, and Sustainability Jeopardy from 3-4 p.m. Oct. 27. Questions? Contant Sustainability Coordinator Kylee Singh at klsingh@calpoly.edu.
Cal Poly to Host Space and Cybersecurity Symposium Oct. 5-8
National and commercial investment in the space economy is growing at an unprecedented rate, and as the world's space-based infrastructure expands, so too do cybersecurity risks. Defending America's space assets from cyberattacks is now a national priority. Are we prepared? How can public and private sector agencies incorporate cybersecurity into their supply chains as they build the next generation of spacecraft? Will we have the workforce needed to defend our nation and commercial interests tomorrow? From Oct. 5-8, Cal Poly will host a series of solutions-focused conversations on the intersection of space and cybersecurity. The webinars feature keynote interviews and panel sessions with leaders from the Department of Defense, U.S. Space Force, industry and higher education. Space and Cybersecurity Symposium 2020 will bring together academia, government and commercial agencies to discuss the latest strategies needed to secure private and public space resources and supply chains from state and non-state cyber adversaries. The event will also share approaches for building the 21st-century workforce resources required to meet these goals. For more information, go to calpoly.events.cube365.net/media-hub/scs2020.
Event Calendar
To find out what’s going on at Cal Poly, visit the Events Calendar. The site includes community events that are open to the public and Campus Life events open to students, faculty and staff. The calendar also includes events at the Performing Arts Center. A link from the calendar allows staff, faculty and students to check facility availability before requesting and reserving on-campus locations for activities and events. For more information about publishing an event on the calendar, contact events@calpoly.edu.
Athletics
For an overview of up-to-date sports information, photos and videos, visit gopoly.com. Students always get in free. Faculty and staff discounts are available.
Upcoming Events @ Home
Per guidance from the Big West and Big Sky conferences, all of Cal Poly's fall sports events have been postponed until 2021. Check GoPoly.com for updated information on fall sports.
Job Vacancies
Employment Opportunities
For all available job openings, visit jobs.calpoly.edu. All new positions opened this week are listed below. To apply, go online and complete the application form. Current employees can also find job postings at CSU Careers, an internal job site for CSU employees. For assistance, call Human Resources at ext. 6-2236.
#497587 — Social Justice and MultiCultural Programs Coordinator — MultiCultural Center (Student Services Professional II), Student Affairs — Diversity and Inclusion. $51,648-$73,440 per year. Anticipated hiring range: $51,648-$52,200 per year. Open until closed.
To find internally posted positions, start from the Cal Poly Portal. Click “Cal Poly Jobs” on the left-hand menu. On the next page click “Apply.” All internally and externally posted positions appear there. For a full list of available jobs, go to jobs.calpoly.edu.
Faculty Employment Opportunities
Visit jobs.calpoly.edu for all available job openings. The part-time lecturer pools are now open. Visit jobs.calpoly.edu for current openings, further information and how to apply. For assistance, call Academic Personnel at ext. 6-2844.
There are no new listings at this time.
Corporation Employment Opportunities
Cal Poly Corporation is a separate entity operating in concert with the university to provide a diverse range of services and resources to students, faculty and staff. To view all available job postings or apply, visit the Corporation website. For assistance, contact Human Resources at ext. 6-1121.
There are no new listings at this time.
ASI Employment Opportunities
Candidates are asked to visit the ASI website to complete an ASI application and apply for open positions. For more information, visit the ASI Business Office in UU 212 or call ext. 6-5800.
There are no new listings at this time.
Submission Guidelines for Cal Poly Report
Cal Poly Report (CPR) is Cal Poly's official employee newsletter, designed to communicate information about officially sanctioned university news or events to faculty, staff and administrators. Submissions may run a maximum of three times and should be limited to 150 words. To help ensure CPR continues to contain only relevant and approved information, submissions are required to come from or be approved by the employee designated to approve submissions in the respective colleges, units and work areas. A list of designated approvers is available on the Cal Poly Report index website. Entries submitted by those other than the designated approver must be accompanied by an approval form signed by the unit's approver. The approval form is available online in fillable pdf format or a downloadable Microsoft Word format. CPR is published weekly during the school year, except during academic breaks, and monthly in the summer. The deadline for each issue is 12:30 p.m. the Friday prior to publication.